The Philippine National Police (PNP) has yet to identify the specific powerful group allegedly sheltering Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa as authorities intensify efforts to locate and arrest him.
In a press briefing at Camp Crame on Friday, PNP Deputy Chief for Administration Lt. Gen. Wilson Lopez, who heads the task force pursuing Dela Rosa, said authorities are still verifying information provided by Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, RH Edniel Parrosa reported.
“We are still validating that information. Until now, we don’t have any specific group that is protecting Sen. Ronald Bato Dela Rosa,” Lopez said.
Remulla earlier warned that an attempt to arrest the senator could trigger unrest similar to the 2017 Marawi siege, potentially resulting in as many as 10,000 deaths. He also claimed that a group in Mindanao was protecting Dela Rosa and said authorities were working to ensure his peaceful turnover and prevent a violent confrontation.
Meanwhile, the PNP has organized dedicated tracking teams at its national headquarters and regional offices as part of its intensified manhunt for the senator, who is facing an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC).
“Nagkaroon tayo ng dedicated team for purpose and we will assign our regional offices to have the same team also,” he added.
Lopez said the police have also established task groups in all regions to strengthen coordination and monitoring efforts.
The PNP has received numerous tips through its hotlines following the announcement of a P50-million bounty for information leading to Dela Rosa’s arrest. However, Lopez said all information must first undergo verification.
October 30 marks the end of the one-week period given to Dela Rosa to voluntarily surrender. However, the PNP said it has yet to receive any indication that the senator intends to turn himself in.
Lopez appealed to the former PNP chief to surrender peacefully to prevent possible incidents that could put police personnel involved in the operation at risk.
He assured the public that the PNP would continue to consider all possible scenarios while carrying out its mandate to enforce the arrest warrant against the senator.
